Quick Tips to Improve Your Instagram Account

Posted on May 22, 2014.

You might already have an Instagram account for your restaurant. If not, you definitely should—with over 60 million photos shared daily, it’s one of the most popular social media platforms! It can help you grow your bar or restaurant business—that is, if you use it correctly. If you think your Instagram account could use a little sprucing up, check out these quick tips to improve your Instagram presence.

Focus on more than just food.

your food looks great, and you want to show it off to customers. But if picture after picture simply showcases plates full of food, your customers will get bored. It’s important to take pictures of things other than food. Take an example from restaurant chain Buca di Beppo. The company posts pictures of staff members, décor, promotions, and more. This shows personality and makes your feed a lot more interesting.

Use hashtags.

Don’t forget about the power of hashtags! Just like on Twitter, hashtags can help your customers find you. For example, let’s say your restaurant is located in Cleveland. By hashtagging your photo #Cleveland, anyone searching for that tag (including potential diners) will come across your photo.

Offer deals to your followers.

Give your customers a reason to follow you. Sharing photos is great, but make sure your customers are also getting something. Many companies share photos of their new promotions or share discount codes. If customers know they’ll be the first to find out about new deals, they’ll be more likely to follow you.

Ask your followers questions.

It’s important to engage your customers and encourage them to share. One way you can do this is by asking questions and getting your customers to post their photos. Starbucks did this when it asked, “What do you want 5 minutes more of?” The company chose a hashtag and encouraged customers to share their answers on Instagram.

Use good photos.

This should go without saying, but it’s extra important: make sure your photos showcase your restaurant in the best possible light. Unappetizing food won’t get more followers or encourage anyone to eat at your restaurant. You don’t necessarily have to hire a professional photographer, but you do need to make sure your restaurant and your food look great.

Instagram can be a great way to build business and increase sales, but only if you use it right! By following these tips, you can improve your bar or restaurant Instagram account ASAP!

Trusted by over 3,200 bars and restaurants in North America since 1985, Buzztime integrates trivia, card and sports games with in- and out-of-venue messaging and communication tools. With over 4.2 million player registrations on the Buzztime platform and over 52 million games played each year, Buzztime players spread the word and invite friends and family to their favorite Buzztime location to enjoy an evening of fun and competition.